I’ve lost that love for Phelan

It was the 15th anniversary at the weekend of Coronation Street’s Richard Hillman murdering Maxine Peacock in Emily Bishop’s front room.

I was left feeling nostalgic for an all-time classic episode featuring one of Corrie’s finest villains at the peak of his evil powers.

It also reminded me of something that’s been bugging me about Corrie lately. Pat Phelan.

Thirteen months ago he was up there with the greats. Now, though? I’m not so sure. It’s gone on too long and way too many things about his storylines are rather hard to believe.

Then there’s the needless violence. I know Corrie is set in flatcap country, but that’s no excuse for trying to turn it into Peaky Blinders.

To be fair, Pat’s been a victim of his own success. Connor McIntyre has played him so brilliantly I can totally understand why the writers are so reluctant to part with him.

The biggest favour they could do for him now would be to stop dragging things out and give him the exit he deserves.

And if there’s any justice, Eileen would be the one to deliver his comeuppance.

Partly because it would serve him right. But mainly because as his storylines have progressed, Eileen’s involvement has become less and less believable.

I don’t care how charming or cunning Pat is. The Eileen I have known and loved for 18 years would have sussed him out by herself – and turfed him out – long before now.

Suggs from Madness, 57, isn’t just getting ruder as he gets older, he’s getting more emotional too. I find that I cry more as I get older. It’s getting ridiculous. I was crying at f***ing Masterchef the other night.